Time marches on and the story of the $3 wristwatch continues.
Let’s begin with a brief overview of the first installment. Last summer I bought a watch for $3 at an estate sale that is obviously intended to be worn by a man because of its size. It needed a new battery to get its Swiss movement ticking again and perhaps a new band to replace the worn and frayed one.
I wanted to buy it simply because I liked its unique characteristics that are not your everyday find: a big round face with large though illegible numerals and the national flag of the country where it was purchased. All evidence it was purchased abroad.
Gary Roberts at Roberts Jewelers cleaned it, popped in a new battery and boom — it ticked again. I decided not to replace the wristband though. After a few days, my new timepiece stopped. I returned to Mr. Roberts and lo and behold he had it ticking again when I picked it up.
A few days later it quit. That’s when I became skeptical that the former owner was manipulating the shenanigans and didn’t want a female wearing his watch. Undaunted I went back to Mr. Roberts and he worked his magic again. I decided to replace the wristband. Nothing expensive. But my bargain was no longer a bargain. By then I had $20 invested.
Everything rocked along fine for about a week until one day, I looked down and the watch had stopped. Now wait a minute, I said. I was determined to put an end to all this foolishness and I went through the whole routine again.
Success at last. A few months later the watch was accidentally knocked off a table and the blow stopped its ticker. Well, that’s curtains, I thought, and replaced it on the table. The next morning I was surprised to find it keeping time and had only been unconscious after all.
For months afterward, the watch kept accurate time and I determined everything was OK. Until Easter eve — and the watch suddenly stopped. Then on Easter Sunday long after sundown it began keeping time.
I think I must possess a mystical, magical timepiece. And maybe it’s a bit haunted, too.
Out and about: The final show “Remember When Rock Was Young — The Elton John Tribute” in the 2015-2016 series presented by The Friends of the Rylander Theatre along with Heather Stanley, managing director, was a smash hit. Craig Meyer never disappoints as “Almost Elton John,” who returned for his second appearance on the Rylander stage accompanied by his seven-piece Rocket Band, including three vocalists. He had the crowd rockin’ and the music even had some patrons dancing in the aisle, including ushers: Betty Bendimire, Betty Bailey Todd, and Faye Knight. Anne Barrett, Terri Joiner and Sharon Brown showed up wearing feather boas and big sunglasses. As patrons came into the theater they received two complimentary tickets eligible for great door prizes awarded during intermission. Unfortunately, we weren’t among the lucky ones; however, those who were are Carlene Beckwith who won the Friends of the Rylander Playwright Membership for the 2016-2017 season and gift basket; Edna Anthony got the Cafe Campesino gift basket; Jenny Woods received the gift certificate from Minick Interiors; Cindy Drew of Albany won the beautiful green plant from Gatewood’s Flowers; but no one claimed the overnight stay and golf package at Lake Blackshear Resort & Golf Club. There’s still time though. If you attended the concert Saturday and your ticket stub is #393562, the prize is yours. See Will or Heather at the Rylander; it was a “girl’s night out” venture for a group of Americus folks last Friday when they traveled to Atlanta, actually Marietta, to see “Menopause the Miracle” at the Cobb Energy Center. I understand it was hilariously funny. Afterwards, they spent the night at the Waverly Renaissance Hotel. Those on the trip were Bobbie Duncan, former resident Grace Hill of Columbus, JoAnn Pope, Mara Durham, Mary Beth Rogers, Betty Hewitt, Virginia Watson, Mary Torbert, and Carol Hudson. Exciting news from former resident Kathy Parks of Auburn, Alabama, who says daughter, Jordan Parks, a student at Auburn University, majoring in history and pre-law, will serve as an intern with U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson from Georgia this summer. She is a graduate of Southland Academy and also the daughter of Robert Parks of Americus. Congratulations Jordan. And wish Sue Hall a happy birthday today.

Leila Sisson Case lives in Americus.